Epidural Injections

About eight in 10 people struggle with low back pain during their lifetime. At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, board-certified pain management specialist Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, offers epidural injections to relieve ongoing back discomfort if other treatments haven’t worked. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today at the South Bay office to learn more.

What are epidural injections?

Epidural injections contain powerful anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing medicines administered into the epidural space (the space outside the fluid sac around your spinal cord). These injections help reduce inflammation in soft tissues and your spine to reduce back discomfort and provide long-lasting relief. 

What can epidural injections help treat?

Epidural injections at Arora Pain Clinic may relieve:

• Back pain
• Nerve pain
• Shooting or radiating discomfort
• Numbness
• Burning
• Tingling
• Herniated disc and spinal stenosis discomfort
• Bone spur pain
• Nerve impingement
• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy

Dr. Arora might recommend epidural injections if physical therapy, activity modifications, and other lifestyle changes haven’t eased your discomfort. These injections offer short-term pain relief and long-term management of inflammation. 

Am I a candidate for epidural injections?

Dr. Arora discusses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and completes a physical exam to determine if you’re a candidate for epidural injections. He also orders imaging procedures that develop internal images of your spine and surrounding tissues. Tell him if you’re taking any medications, supplements, or may be pregnant.

What should I expect during epidural injections?

You might have to stop taking certain medications before the scheduled procedure. Epidural injections are an outpatient treatment. First, you change into a hospital gown and lie down on a comfortable table. Dr. Arora cleans the treatment area and numbs it to ensure the utmost comfort. You receive medicine that helps you relax. It’s important to remain still during the injection. 

Dr. Arora inserts a needle into your lower back using imaging guidance to ensure correct needle placement. He injects a mixture of numbing and steroid medication to lessen swelling and compression placed on nearby painful nerves. You may feel a bit of pressure during epidural injections, but the procedure isn’t painful. 

What happens after epidural injections?

Dr. Arora watches you for 15-20 minutes after epidural injections before you head home. Have a family member or friend take you. Temporary side effects might include tenderness or swelling at the injection site. Take it easy for the rest of the day. 

Back pain often improves during the next few days, and the relief could last for several months. However, individualized results vary from person to person. Dr. Arora may suggest a combination of treatments to ensure long-lasting relief. He follows up to ensure a successful outcome. 

Schedule an evaluation at Arora Pain Clinic by phone or online today to learn more about epidural injections for back pain relief and determine if they're right for you.